| MATCHUP | New Orleans Pelicans | Memphis Grizzlies |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 0-1 | 1-0 |
| Where | FedExForum, Memphis, TN | |
| When | Wednesday, October 22, 2025 | |
| Time | 08:00 PM EDT | |
| TV | GCSEN | |
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
The New Orleans Pelicans won 21 games last season and have made the playoffs three times since the 2015-16 season. Coach Willie Green enters his fifth year with the franchise.
The Pelicans have been a talented team over the years, but they’ve underachieved and dealt with injuries. Zion Williamson looks to be in shape for once, and that’s a big deal if he can play an entire season. Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones are two of the more underrated players in the league, and we know Jordan Poole is a bucket getter. The addition of Kevon Looney provides depth, and Yves Missi is coming off a strong rookie season. I’m also excited to see Derik Queen in the league. The Pelicans have players to be competitive even in the west, it’s just a matter of Zion taking his craft seriously and leading the way.
Memphis Grizzlies Betting Preview
The Memphis Grizzlies won 48 games last season and have made the playoffs in four of the last five seasons. The Grizzlies have just one playoff series win since the 2015-16 season.
If the Grizzlies are going to make this season different, Ja Morant has to play a full season. Suspensions and injuries have prevented Morant from playing consistently, as he’s played no more than 67 games in a full season. Jaren Jackson Jr. should have more on his plate with Desmond Bane no longer around and Zach Edey has a chance to become a beast with a season under his belt. Not sure if I’m a big fan of the Grizzlies depth, but a full 82 games from Morant will keep them in the thick of the playoff race.
Why the Memphis Grizzlies will win
- The Pelicans have lost each of their last 12 games as underdogs against Southwest Division opponents.
- The Grizzlies have won nine of their last 10 games against Southwest Division opponents.
- The home team has covered the spread in each of the Grizzlies’ last five games.
- The Pelicans have failed to cover the spread in each of their last five road games against Southwest Division opponents.
Why the New Orleans Pelicans will win
- The Grizzlies have lost eight of their last nine night games against Western Conference opponents.
- The Pelicans have won three of their last four season openers as underdogs.
- The Grizzlies have failed to cover the spread in five of their last six games as home favorites against Western Conference opponents.
- The Pelicans have covered the spread in each of their last three season openers.
Total Points Facts
- Eight of the Pelicans’ last nine road openers against Western Conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Five of the Grizzlies’ last six home games have gone OVER the total points line.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies Injury Report
The Grizzlies will be without Vince Williams Jr., Ty Jerome, Scotty Pippen Jr., Brandon Clarke, and Zach Edey.
The Pelicans will be without Dejounte Murray and Kevon Looney. Karlo Matkovic is doubtful with an elbow injury.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction
You’d think the Grizzlies would win this game at home, but I’m not thrilled to lay chalk with an injury report that large this early in the season. The Grizzlies are going through it, and that’s not even mentioning they still have to learn how to play without Desmond Bane. The Pelicans haven’t won much over the years, but they have players and a healthy and motivated Zion could do wonders. The Grizzlies are too undermanned to back without seeing some sort of sample size. Give me the Pels and the points.